Citation

Díaz-Faes DA, Pereda N, Gámez-Guadix M. Death Stud. 2024; 48(3): 219-227.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2024, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/07481187.2023.2214892

PMID

37203223

Abstract

This study explores the rates and odds of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and their relationship to suicide attempts in a sample of undergraduate students (n = 924, 71.6% women), comparing lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) youth to their heterosexual counterparts. Using propensity score matching, we matched 231 sexual minority and 603 heterosexual participants at a ratio of 1:3, based on gender, age, socioeconomic status, and religious beliefs. Sexual minority participants reported a significantly higher ACE score (M = 2.70 vs. 1.85; t = 4.93; p <.001; d =.391) and higher rates of all but one type of ACEs than their heterosexual counterparts. They also reported a higher prevalence and risk of suicide attempts (33.3% vs. 11.8% respectively, odds ratio = 3.73; p <.001). In logistic regression analysis, sexual minority status, emotional abuse and neglect, bias attack, having a household member with mental health problems, bullying and cyberbullying were significantly associated with suicide attempts.

Language: en

Keywords

Adolescent; Adverse Childhood Experiences; Female; Heterosexuality; Humans; Male; Sexual and Gender Minorities; Students; Suicide, Attempted